Woman held over cocaine at bingo hall

A 50-year-old woman was arrested this week over alleged cocaine dealing at a bingo centre in Cork City.

A condition of Helen Heaphy’s bail, when she appeared yesterday at Cork District Court, was she would stay away from the Rock Bingo hall in Togher.

Ms Heaphy from 59, Kerryhall Road, Fairhill, Cork, was arrested by Garda Danielle Hegarty on Wednesday night. She was charged with possession of cocaine and having the illegal drug for sale or supply at Deanrock Business and Technology Park in Togher.

Garda Hegarty testified at in court yesterday she arrested, charged and cautioned Ms Heaphy. The accused made no reply to either charge, the garda said.

Inspector Finbarr O’Sullivan said gardaí had no objection to bail once certain conditions were met, including that Ms Heaphy reside at her Fairhill home and sign on at Gurranabraher Garda station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The third condition was she would not attend Rock Bingo events at the Deanrock Business and Technology Park in Togher between now and the date of any adjournment of the case.

Ms Heaphy’s solicitor Diane Hallahan said her client consented to all conditions. Judge Leo Malone remanded her on bail to appear again on September 3.

Ms Hallahan applied for legal aid on the basis the accused was not working. Judge Malone required a written statement of means and when this was provided he granted free legal aid.